Western heritage
Occidental cultural inheritance
Western heritage refers to the cultural, intellectual, and political traditions originating in Europe and extending to societies shaped by European influence—particularly North America, Australia, and parts of Latin America.
It encompasses Greek philosophy, Roman law, Judeo-Christian religion, Renaissance art, Enlightenment ideals, and democratic institutions.
The phrase often appears in debates about education and cultural identity: The curriculum emphasizes Western heritage.
Critics note the term can obscure diversity within "the West" or imply superiority over other traditions.
- cattleDomesticated bovines kept commercially
- cattle drivesLong-distance livestock relocation
- cowboy cultureHeritage of cattle ranchers
- cowboy bootsHeeled footwear with pointed toes
- SocratesAncient Athenian questioning philosopher
democracy · rodeo · Greco-Roman · Greek philosophy · Renaissance · individual rights · Enlightenment · natural rights · founding fathers · classical architecture · Judeo-Christian · Magna Carta · Scientific Revolution · Reformation · humanism · Romantic poetry · rule of law · Industrial Revolution
- South DakotaMount Rushmore, Badlands, Black Hills, Sioux Falls, Pierre
Western heritageEastern philosophy
Asian intellectual traditions
Asian heritage · African heritage · Middle Eastern heritage · Eastern wisdom · Chinese civilization
Western heritageEastern philosophy
Asian intellectual traditions
Taoism · Confucianism · Buddhism · Zen philosophy · mystical traditions